Allis Chalmers D17 was manufactured in West Allis, Wisconsin, USA between 1957 and 1967. Looking at the last time it was manufactured, if we’re still talking about this tractor decades after the 21st century, it means this is no ordinary tractor.
5 decades after its last release, people are still using this amazing 2 wheel drive row-crop tractor. Besides its longevity, there is so much more this tractor brings to the table that makes it an attractive option several decades later.
Allis Chalmers dissolved in 1999 but at the time of manufacture, Allis Chalmers was one of the strongest brand names in the world when it comes to machinery. The lifespan of the company stretched the full 20th century from 1901 to 1999.
Features
Let’s talk about the features of Allis Chalmers D17 in more clear terms so you can see why or if you should buy this age-defying tractor for your garden.
Physical Specifications
This tractor sports an open operator cabin which is common for tractors made in this era. This type of cabin gives the operator a lot of room to operate but offers minimal protection in case of an accident or from harsh weather like rain or even the scorching heat.
It weighs 2,120kg and hasa height of 80.7 inches, is 76.4 inches wide and its length varies depending on the fuel it uses. You can get the diesel or gasoline model of this tractor.
Engine
Remember I mentioned that the length of the tractor is affected by the type of fuel that powers the machine. Here’s what I mean in detail:
You have two engine options you can select, these options vary significantly with each having its strong points.
- For the first engine option: it is a four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine made by Allis Chalmers and powered by gasolinefuel.It uses an electric starter that makes it faster and easier to put on. It is a 4 cylinder engine with a massive 63 HP to handle all your garden needs. It has a compression ratio of 7.25:1 and a displacement of 3.7L
- For the second engine option: it is also a four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine made by Allis Chalmers but this time it is powered by diesel fuel. It has a higher displacement of 4.3L and a compression ratio of 15.7:1. Some other things you’ll get in this engine type is an electric starter, 6 cylinder engine, and a slightly lower horsepower of 61
Transmission and Chassis
There’s a reason this is coming immediately after the engine. This is because the transmission helps move all the power the engine produces to the shafts and wheels so you can control it smoothly.
The transmission model is a power director with an 8-speedpower shift transmission type. It comes with 2 reverse and 8 forward gears and a 4×2 2WD chassis. Allis Chalmers D17 versatility allows you to choose between power or manual steering.
Tires
The size and thread ratings of the tires affect the mobility of the tractors and how well theycan spread its weight.
D17 has a 6.00-16 rating for the front tires and a 13-28 rating for the rear tires.
Price
What is the current price of the Allis Chalmers D17 tractor and would that affect your buying decision? I’ll let you know what it was sold back in the day when it was still being manufactured and what it is selling for now. And then let you be the judge.
It was sold for $5,400 in 1967 which is the last year it was produced. It is, however, going for anything between $1800 and $2,300 now.
Pros and Cons of Allis Chalmers D17 Tractor
What you want to do is weigh the pros against the cons and see if this tractor is worth buying for you or not.
Pros
- Durable: its longevity is clear considering how long it has continued to stay relevant. This is a tractor that has an optimum level of durability in it
- Massive Horsepower: if you’re going to be doing a lot of work with your tractor, you may as well get one with high horsepower to handle all the pressure that will be put on it. This tractor sports HP of above 60 which is amazing
- Easy to Operate: the tractor is both easy to operate and maintain. It does not special attention as regular maintenance is enough to keep it in top condition
- Engine Options: it allows you to select between two engine options with different fuels and pros
Cons
- Parts are difficult to find: well, as with any tractor that has lasted for so long, the parts for this tractor has become somewhat difficult to find in the market
- The diesel engine may be difficult to start in winter: some people have complained about their diesel engine having difficulty starting during the winter. Although this is not a general problem but it is important you know
Conclusion
Allis Chalmers D17 is an old tractor that keeps on giving and has served many of its users for decades. If you’re looking to cop one now, you should take out time to examine its present condition first before going ahead to purchase it.
